If you're looking for a satisfying and filling meal for your child, you may want to consider the 1 burrito (371 g) Kids Meal - Bean Burrito. This meal provides 874 calories, which can be a great option for kids who need a lot of energy to fuel their growing bodies.

Aside from its calorie content, the Bean Burrito also provides a good amount of nutrients. It contains protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals that can support your child's health and wellness. However, it's also important to be mindful of its fat, sodium, and sugar levels, especially if your child is prone to health issues like obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional profile of the 1 burrito (371 g) Kids Meal - Bean Burrito and provide some healthy modifications and allergen information for parents to consider.

Calorie Breakdown

The Bean Burrito contains 874 calories, which is quite high for a kids meal. To break it down further, it has 34 grams of fat, 113 grams of carbohydrates, and 37 grams of protein. While calories provide our bodies with energy, consuming too many can lead to weight gain and other health issues. It's important to balance the calorie intake with the amount of physical activity that children engage in to maintain a healthy weight.

Fat Content

The Bean Burrito contains 34 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat. Most of the fat comes from the refried beans, cheese, and tortilla. Consuming too much saturated and trans fat can increase the risk of heart disease, especially when combined with other risk factors (like a sedentary lifestyle or smoking). Parents should aim to limit children's intake of saturated and trans fat, and opt for healthier fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats instead.

Protein Value

The Bean Burrito provides a good amount of protein, with 37 grams in total. Protein is essential for children's growth and development, and can also help them feel full and satisfied after a meal. However, it's important to note that not all proteins are created equal. While the protein in the Bean Burrito comes from beans and cheese, which are both good sources of plant-based protein, it also contains some processed meat (in the form of the taco sauce), which may not be the healthiest choice.

Carbohydrate Count

The Bean Burrito contains 113 grams of carbohydrates, including 13 grams of fiber and 4 grams of sugar. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, and fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is important for gut health and digestion. However, consuming too much sugar can lead to health issues like cavities, obesity, and diabetes. Parents should aim to limit children's intake of added sugars, and opt for whole food sources of carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Sodium Content

The Bean Burrito contains 1820 milligrams of sodium, which is very high for a single meal. Most of the sodium comes from the taco sauce, cheese, and seasoned beans. Consuming too much sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other health issues, especially when combined with other risk factors (like a family history of heart disease or kidney problems). Parents should aim to limit children's intake of sodium, and opt for low-sodium alternatives when possible.

Fiber Amount

The Bean Burrito contains 13 grams of fiber, which is a decent amount for a single meal. Fiber is important for children's digestive health and can also help them feel full and satisfied after a meal. However, most children don't get enough fiber in their daily diets. Parents should aim to include more high-fiber foods in their children's meals, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Sugar Level

The Bean Burrito contains 4 grams of sugar, which is a relatively low amount for a kids meal. Most of the sugar comes from the seasoned beans and the taco sauce. However, it's important to note that some kids meals can contain very high amounts of added sugar, especially in the form of sugary drinks and desserts. Parents should aim to limit their children's intake of added sugars and opt for healthier alternatives like water, milk, or unsweetened beverages.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

The Bean Burrito provides a decent amount of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Iron is important for children's cognitive development and immune function, while calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D can support healthy bones and teeth. However, parents should note that the Bean Burrito also contains a fair amount of sodium and saturated fat, which may negate some of its nutritional benefits.

Allergen Information

The Bean Burrito contains gluten, milk, and soy. It may also contain traces of other allergens, like peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and fish. If your child has a food allergy or intolerance, it's important to check the ingredient list of any meals or snacks they consume. You can also speak with a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations and advice.

Healthy Modifications

While the Bean Burrito can provide a good amount of energy and nutrients for children, there are some modifications you can make to make it even healthier. For example, you can swap the taco sauce for salsa or avocado, which are lower in sodium and healthier fats. You can also opt for a whole wheat tortilla, which provides more fiber and nutrients than a regular tortilla. Additionally, you can serve the Bean Burrito with a side of vegetables and fruit to add more vitamins and minerals to the meal. By making these simple tweaks, you can make the 1 burrito (371 g) Kids Meal - Bean Burrito a healthier choice for your child's growth and development.